The Oklahoma City Thunder are gunning for a season-series sweep of the LA Clippers. It’ll be easier said than done, though, as Kawhi Leonard will finally be able to play.

Catch the game tomorrow at AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Oklahoma City Thunder (58-12, 27-7 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
  • Cason Wallace
  • Lu Dort (day-to-day)
  • Jalen Williams (day-to-day)
  • Chet Holmgren

The league-leading Thunder are in dominant form, winning 12 of their last 13 games and riding a five-game winning streak. Their top-rated defense has been the foundation of their success, but their offense has also been explosive, averaging 127.2 points per game with a staggering +14.5 net rating during this stretch. 

The Thunder are a perfect 3-0 against the Clippers this season, with victories of 105-92, 134-128, and 116-98. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is unstoppable in this matchup as per usual, averaging 33.8 points on 55.8% shooting, showcasing his elite scoring ability and leadership.

Jalen Williams and Lu Dort, who are both game-time decisions due to injuries, are sure to provide a boost if they return. Chet Holmgren, who had 10 points and 14 rebounds on 3-of-9 shooting in his lone game against the Clippers this season, will look to be more efficient offensively. The Thunder’s supporting cast—Isaiah Hartenstein, Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, and Isaiah Joe—brings depth, versatility, and energy, making them a tough matchup for any team. With their momentum and confidence at an all-time high, the Thunder aim to extend their winning streak and complete a season sweep of the Clippers.

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HOME: LA Clippers (40-30, 25-10 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • James Harden
  • Kris Dunn
  • Norman Powell
  • Kawhi Leonard
  • Ivica Zubac

The Clippers are also on a roll, winning eight of their last nine games and riding a five-game winning streak of their own. During this stretch, they’ve averaged 120.2 points per game while allowing just 107.1, showcasing a balanced attack on both ends of the floor. However, the Clippers are 0-3 against the Thunder this season, losing by an average of 12.3 points. Norman Powell has been a bright spot in the series, averaging 20.3 points per game, while Amir Coffey has stepped up with 14.3 points per contest. James Harden has been facilitating at a high level, averaging a triple-double (14.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 12.0 assists), though his shooting has been highly inefficient at 32.1%.

Big man Ivica Zubac has the stats (14.7 PPG, 11.7 RPG in the season series), but he hopes to be more disrupting to anyone coming through the paint.

The return of Kawhi Leonard, who missed all three previous matchups against the Thunder, could be a game-changer. His two-way impact and ability to take over games give the Clippers a chance to avoid a season sweep. With their offense clicking and their defense tightening, the Clippers are determined to defend their home court and snap their losing streak against OKC.

PICKS:

Spread: Thunder (-3.5)

Over/Under:  Over (228.5)

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